When you’re thinking about making upgrades to your home, it’s important to think about them in relation to how much longer you plan to stay there. Maybe you have a retirement plan in place or your heart is simply set on leaving the area in x number of years. It could also be that you’re planning to move up or downsize.

No matter what your circumstances are, a good time to start making upgrades is seven to 10 years before your move. During that seven-to-10-year period, you should begin upgrading certain items like your landscaping, garage doors, and roof.

Once you’re five years from your move-out time, it might be time to replace and upgrade your HVAC system, front door, and your hot water heater, which can also be done in the two- to three-year time frame.

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It’s important to think about upgrades to your home in relation to how much longer you plan to stay there.

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That brings us to the second-to-last time frame before your move. In that two- to three-year window, be sure to upgrade your kitchen and bathrooms. Making these sorts of upgrades two to three years early will be a strategic move on your part because you don’t want to do them so early that they’ll be out of date when you sell, but you’ll also want a chance to enjoy them.

You’ll also want to get the decluttering process underway by cleaning out your storage areas and deciding what will go with you and what won’t.

When you’re a year away from putting your home on the market, focus your efforts on value-bolstering items. That includes things like applying some fresh paint, replacing worn-out carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring, and enriching your curb appeal.

Hopefully today’s message answered some of your questions and this home upgrades road map was helpful to you. If you’re looking to buy or sell, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d be happy to serve your real estate needs!